Good morning, Columbus.

The 16th annual Run Across Georgia fundraiser began today as relay teams and solo runners set out on a 277-mile journey from Tybee Island to Columbus to raise funds for MercyMed and House of Heroes.

The event runs until Memorial Day weekend and concludes with a finish celebration Sunday.

WTVM is hosting its Boxes to Troops Food Drive now in Columbus to support military personnel; residents can drop off donations at designated local spots.

The Columbus chapter of Jack and Jill of America hosted a water safety day at D.A.

Turner YMCA to teach families CPR & swim safety skills ahead of summer break. Experts from the Red Cross & White Water Express led demonstrations to boost parents' confidence as kids enjoy pool time.

Miracle Riders rode into North Carolina on the final leg of their CSU charity ride and are one step closer to home.

The fundraiser supports CSU and fuels community spirit.

7 Brew Coffee is opening a drive-thru at 8133 Veterans Parkway on June 8 and will host a free-drinks event benefiting Paws Humane Society from May 29 to May 31.

Promotions continue with Community Hours from June 8 to 12 and Swag Day on June 13.

Veteran journalist Chuck Williams, known from local news, earned a master’s degree at Columbus State and used his crisis communication project for MercyMed to open post-retirement opportunities.

The 65-year-old plans to use decades of reporting experience to pursue consulting and teaching in the community (his journey spans a 44-year career).

GDOT contractors will switch to a diverging diamond pattern at Buena Vista Road and Interstate 185 overnight from 7 p.m. Friday, May 29 to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 30 (weather permitting), which will ease daytime traffic disruptions, officials said.

The Georgia DNR launched the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program to offer annual matching grants for nonprofits and state agencies to acquire or permanently protect historic battlefield lands — eligible applicants must provide a one-to-one funding match through cash contributions or other eligible sources.

The NAIA Softball Championship kicked off today at South Commons, drawing over 10 teams to Columbus and boosting Fountain City's economy by hundreds of thousands.

Officials say (players and coaches bond at local restaurants and museums) as the tournament runs until Wednesday.

Girl Talk: Exploring Emotions

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Columbus Public Library — Free entry — An empowering event to explore the colors of emotions, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

The Big Run: Global Running Day

6-10 p.m. — Big Dog Fleet Feet — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a spirited 5K run in the heart of Columbus.

GACTE Career Tech Expo

8 a.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Free entry — Engage with industry leaders and educators on career and technical education innovations.

Georgia Association of Career & Technical Education Summer Conference 2026

June 9-11 — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Check the event website for fees — Engage with experts at Georgia's premier conference for career and technical education.

Columbus Clingstones vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos

2:05 – 9:05 PM — Golden Park — Tickets starting at $46 — Experience Southern League baseball with a local flair in an updated historic ballpark.

FIN FIT Workshop in Columbus

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM — The Cunningham Center — Free entry — Discover strategies to raise capital and empower your small business at this interactive workshop.

Legacy of Legends

6:30-9 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Ticket cost per attendee — Celebrate the impactful legacies of fathers and father figures through heartfelt recognition and a four-course meal.

I Feel Good: A Tribute to James Brown

2-4 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticketed event — Experience a high-energy tribute with all of James Brown's greatest hits and vibrant performances.